Depression

When someone is feeling depressed they may experience changes in behaviour such as:

Headaches or stomach aches

High use of alcohol or drugs

A lot of crying

Feeling hopeless or helpless

Getting into difficulty at school, work or home

Being irritable

Losing interest in activities

Changes in eating & sleeping

You are not alone

What Is Depression?

Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad, but these feelings usually pass within a couple of days. We often use the expression ‘I’m feeling depressed’ when we’re feeling sad or miserable about life. Usually, these feelings pass with time. But if these feelings are interfering with your life and don’t go away after a couple of weeks, or if they come back over and over again, it could be a sign that you are depressed in the medical sense of the term.

Symptoms of Depression Include:

Persistent sad, anxious or ‘empty’ feelings

Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness

Irritability, restlessness

Loss of interest in activities, hobbies or friendships

Fatigue and decreased energy

Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions

Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping

Overeating or appetite loss

Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Persistent aches or pains, headaches

Bipolar disorder is the name used to describe a set of ‘mood swing’ conditions, the most severe form of which used to be called ‘manic depression’. With bipolar disorder moods can swing between low, high and mixed. It is important to note that everyone has mood swings from time to time. It is only when these moods become extreme and interfere with life that bipolar disorder may be present and medical assessment may be required.

Many people with a depressive illness never seek treatment, but the vast majority, even those with the most severe depression, can get better and recover with treatment. If you are concerned that you or someone you know might be showing signs of depression it is important to get support.

For Further Information

Depression

When someone is feeling depressed they may experience changes in behaviour such as:

What Is Depression?

Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad, but these feelings usually pass within a couple of days. We often use the expression ‘I’m feeling depressed’ when we’re feeling sad or miserable about life. Usually, these feelings pass with time. But if these feelings are interfering with your life and don’t go away after a couple of weeks, or if they come back over and over again, it could be a sign that you are depressed in the medical sense of the term.

Symptoms of Depression Include:

Persistent sad, anxious or ‘empty’ feelings

Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness

Irritability, restlessness

Loss of interest in activities, hobbies or friendships

Fatigue and decreased energy

Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions

Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping

Overeating or appetite loss

Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Persistent aches or pains, headaches

Bipolar disorder is the name used to describe a set of ‘mood swing’ conditions, the most severe form of which used to be called ‘manic depression’. With bipolar disorder moods can swing between low, high and mixed. It is important to note that everyone has mood swings from time to time. It is only when these moods become extreme and interfere with life that bipolar disorder may be present and medical assessment may be required.

Many people with a depressive illness never seek treatment, but the vast majority, even those with the most severe depression, can get better and recover with treatment. If you are concerned that you or someone you know might be showing signs of depression it is important to get support.